2019-2024 Mercedes GLE 350 2.0L Engine (M264): Problems, Longevity, and Specs

The GLE is one of the most popular models by Mercedes-Benz in the US that sells about 50,000 SUVs a year just in the States. Given this is a luxury vehicle that costs quite a lot, such sales figures seem huge. Although the majority of buyers will choose more powerful versions, I want to concentrate today on the GLE 350 model which comes with a very interesting engine.

Today, I will tell you about the GLE 350 2.0L Turbo engine that powers the most affordable version of the GLE in the US. The engine is quite powerful, very technological, and fresh. But we still know enough about it to list its common problems and to see if this is a good purchase for the new GLE.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2018-now
• Average lifespan of M264:160,000-190,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:190-306 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:Camtronic problems, carbon buildup on intake valves, additional emission filter potential issues at high mileage.

The GLE 350 engine - key facts and specs

The 350 version of the Mercedes-Benz GLE will cost you about $60,000 and it's considered to be pretty affordable when it comes to Mercedes SUVs. But when you learn that it's equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, you may get frustrated. Many buyers go for the 6-cylinder versions that are offered in more expensive trims. But really, should they?

The 2-liter turbocharged engine in the GLE 350 is the M264 engine engineered by Mercedes-Benz in 2018. It's produced in Germany and powers many models of the company like the C-Class and E-Class. The engine looks really good in comparison with counterparts from other manufacturers.

Here's what you should know about it:

• this is the 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with all-aluminum head and block and cast-iron sleeves in the block for durability;
• the engine is equipped with an MHI turbocharger which makes its power and torque really good;
• the M264 powerplant offers 255 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of torque which is wonderful for such a displacement;
• the engine has the direct injection system which is strange for this generation - many counterparts have the combined port plus direct injection;
• the engine comes with the mild-hybrid system called BSG 48V, so it has a starter generator and a 48V battery pack for start-stop and higher torque;
• the timing system is driven by a chain that is still unable to last as long as the entire engine, so it will need a replacement;
• the Camtronic system adjusts the valve lift when needed on both camshafts, the system has questionable reliability;
• the engine is equipped with the 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission - very reliable and good to drive.

When it comes to fuel consumption, the 2.0L Turbo engine could do better, I think. It offers 25 MPG no highways and 20 MPG in the city traffic which is a little worrying given the real-life consumption will be worse. But you can compare it with any competitor on the market and see that the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 is still pretty fuel efficient.

The GLE 350 comes standard with rear-wheel drive but you can pay more and get AWD like in any other GLE model. I believe that paying for AWD in this SUV is essential because you will get much more stability on the road and better handling.

How many miles will the M264 engine last in the GLE?

When it comes to durability, the 4-cylinder engine that was over-boosted to give enough power to move the GLE is not the best option. It should last approximately 150,000 miles if maintained well and driven relatively carefully. If abused, the engine will certainly die earlier and require extremely expensive repairs.

I can confirm that this engine hates bad fuel. You should only use premium plus because any other kind of fuel will most likely cause detonation and knocking which will quickly destroy the engine.

If not maintained properly, this engine will die earlier than you think. It requires OEM oil without any changes in viscosity. Experiments with cheaper oils and aftermarket filters may easily lead to extremely bad issues and fatal failures.

As with any modern Mercedes-Benz gas engine, the 2.0L Turbo in the GLE 350 requires a lot of attention and won't last forever. But this is what it takes when you buy a relatively affordable small engine with a lot of power.

What are the common problems with the GLE 350 engine?

The first M264 engine was manufactured in 2018, so we just don't have a lot of high-mileage units to understand all the common issues. But after talking to a Mercedes-Benz dealership mechanic and also searching in forums all over the world, I can clearly say that this is not a problem-free machine.

I've compiled the list of the most common problems with the GLE 350 engine:

1. Engine knock and quick wear

This engine requires high-octane fuel which you sometimes just can't buy. If you fill it with worse gasoline, it will still work but the engine will knock. And this is not just the problem that will disturb you from driving.

Engine knocking means that the unburnt gas is detonating in the cylinders. This leads to improper movement of the cylinders and to serious problems with the engine block. I've already read about several cases with ruined engine blocks in these units exactly because of the low-octane fuel.

2. Camtronic problems

If you are a Mercedes-Benz fan, you should not like the Camtronic word. It's used to call the variable valve timing system which is quite faulty and requires a lot of attention. Camtronic may start leaking at 30-40 thousand miles. Internal leaks will lead to burning oil, low oil levels, and issues with grey smoke from the pipe.

This is not something you want to experience in a fresh Mercedes car, so you may be surprised. But the worst thing is that if the problem is ignored, it will develop into fatal issues with the engine. So, keep an eye on the potential problems with the Camtronic. I should also say that the issue is common for all Mercedes engines equipped with Camtronic.

3. BGS 48V system problem

This is the mild-hybrid engine with a small additional high-voltage battery pack. It's used for efficient start-stop system operation and also for a little help when accelerating. It's not used for all-electric driving. But still, the system may fail because of the problems with control units.

Many GLE 350 vehicles were affected by the problem when the 48V battery pack just refused to charge. Eventually, you will get a warning message on the dash in your GLE and it will get on your nerves till you go to the dealership and have the issue fixed.

4. Direct injection problems

Direct injection inevitably leads to issues with intake valves because of all the soot and carbon buildup. The valves will lose their efficiency at about 50,000 miles or even earlier. You will need to pay for valve cleaning - this is not covered by the warranty. So, there is another maintenance procedure that will affect your budget and may suddenly show up and change the behavior of your car on the road.

5. Timing chain issues

You may hope to drive the GLE 350 the entire life of this car without changing the chain kit. And I'm sure that some engines will cope with this. But if the chain is stretched and jumps, fatal damage to the engine is guaranteed.

There is one common problem for all Mercedes chain-driven engines: replacing the chain and the tensioner costs a lot. I still recommend checking the chain and maybe even changing it to 100,000 miles so that your engine may go another 50-60K miles without any problems with the timing system.

What can you do to prolong the GLE 350 engine's life?

There are several important things that you should remember to prolong the life of the M264 engine:

• change the chain kit at about 100,000 miles to avoid chain jumping;
• maintain the engine in the dealership according to the Mercedes schedule;
• buy only OEM parts and fluids to avoid issues with the engine;
• abusive driving is bad for the engine, you may easily kill it at any mileage;
• use high-octane fuel only;
• don't ignore oil consumption, grey smoke, warning messages, and strange sounds;
• inspect the ecology system of the engine at about 100,000 miles.

Final thoughts

Although the GLE 350 2.0L engine is really fun to drive, it's not the most durable engine option that you can find under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz GLE. It's quite affordable, offers optimal power, and won't require a lot of money at gas stations. But this is not a cheap engine to own due to complicated maintenance and repairs.

Also, I wouldn't say this is a problem-free engine. Mercedes tried hard to make a good and durable and still affordable small engine that would fit into any emission rules. But the engine appeared to be not as durable as expected. But if you get the new GLE for several years and then will buy something else, then the GLE 350 is perfectly good for you.